Sony E-Mount Lens Guide Here >>

Testing Sony FE 28mm Lens and Both Conversion lenses

FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8 w/ 16mm Fisheye Conversion Lens

In this really quick video I will show you exactly what the Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens looks like with both 21mm f/2.8 wide angle and 16mmm f/3.5 Fisheye conversion lenses, while filming in 1080/24p with my full frame Sony A7r.

I went down to the green bridge for this test because it offers a nice perspective view that I thought was perfect for illustrating what these lenses can do in the real world.

Encase you are wondering, you can not record while mounting a conversion lens onto the FE 28mm f/2 lens or when taking one off. The Video will just stop recording. This is due to the software lens profiles needing to be applied and also the electronic connection that transfers the exif data from the given conversion lens. Sony decided to not allow recording although they used to way back in the day.

Testing Video


FE 28mm f/2 Lens for $448 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon US | UK
21mm Ultra-Wide Conversion Lens for $248 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon US

– 16mm Fisheye Conversion Lens for $298 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon US

Auto HDR Sample Photos with Each Lens

sel28f20
sel28f20


Just the 28mm f/2 lens first:

FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8
FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8
SEL075UWC
SEL075UWC


Then with the 21mm wide-angle conversion lens attached.

FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8 w/ 21mm Wide Angle Conversion Lens
FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8 w/ 21mm Wide Angle Conversion Lens
SEL057FEC
SEL057FEC


And then with the 16mm fisheye conversion lens attached.

FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8 w/ 16mm Fisheye Conversion Lens
FE 28mm f/2 Lens @ f/8 w/ 16mm Fisheye Conversion Lens

Closing Remarks:

The sharpness holds up pretty well with the conversion lenses in the real world and for the money I would say these are worth considering based off this initial testing. More detailed testing to come in the full reviews, but for those that just can’t wait I figured this article would be useful 😉

Thanks for checking in and have a great day,
Jay

  1. Hello Jay!
    I am soon planning to upgrade from NEX-6 with Lens Turbo 2 (canon fd lenses) to the A7II in part thanks to all your videos.
    My main idea behind the upgrade is of course, stabilization for my many FD lenses (includes the 400mm 4.5 lens).
    This 28mm lens really looks like a winner and with these adapters reminds me of my 16mm with adapters for my NEX-6
    I guess the only thing that is not as good as I wish it was is the noise levels at higher ISOs (dont think I will gain much in that regards compared to my NEX-6 with lens turbo) and the issue people complain about with 11 bit compression etc.
    In any case thank you so much for all your work!

  2. Hi Jay,
    Great to see you reviewing more new FE lenses! I’m really curious to see how this 28/2.0 prime and the UWA converter (I don’t care for fisheyes) stack up against the two Zony’s – the 35/2.8 and the 16-35/4.0. I don’t think you reviewed the 35 but I see you have a “coming soon” place holder on your lens reviews page for the 16-35. Primes are supposed to be way better than zooms but what about when you put adapters on them? I’m interested to see (hopefully you can do some side-by-side).
    I’m currently without a camera. I sold the A7 and I’m about to put that towards the mark 2 but I’m waiting for this announcement coming next week just to be safe. Also, I was literally minutes away from buying the FE 55/1.8 for a good price when Zeiss announced the new Batis 85/1.8 and 25/2.0. Now I’m reconsidering my whole kit!! It was going to be the 55, and the 90, but now maybe the 35 and the 85. To me the 35 and the 55 are both outstanding (the 35 for it’s compactness and quality and the 55 for it’s sharpness and 1.8 apperture) but too close in focal length to justify buying both. I think the final solution will be a mixture of autofocus and manual/legacy lenses to be honest. That will give plenty of fast and compact options, and keep it from getting ridiculously expensive. Besides, I’ve fallen in love with this Olympus Zuiko 100/2.8 so it stays. With photography, the eyes are always bigger than the wallet.
    Best regards,
    Dennis

    1. Thanks for the comments Dennis!
      As always, you offer lots of insight and a practical view of the current offerings from Sony/ Zeiss 😉 The Batis did put a wrench in the mix, but not really if you think about the difference between Zeiss and Sony with a Zeiss badge. The Loxia for example is on another level just like the Touit lenses. The Batis will be incredible for sure and offer a wider view of the world at 25mm f/2 for those liking that range. The 85mm f/1.8 will be the “must have” portrait and wedding lens due to the killer magical look it will produce. Pro’s will want this lens in my opinion, because customer want the best and the 90mm f/2.8 OSS Macro lens will not look as good. The macro will be great for the regular portraits, but comparing the “magical look” is what I’m talking about. The bokeh rendering and killer rich contrast/color of the Zeiss is hard to beat.
      I would go for the 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens if you have some interest in macro photography, the 55mm f/1.8 for the sharpness and speed, and the 16-35mm for the rest of the focal range. If primes are a must, then the Batis might be a great option!
      FE 16-35mm lens review is here >>
      I need to update that page…
      The FE 28mm is pretty good so far, but I have not shot raw yet with it. Just played around at the bridge the one day for about a half hour. I was surprised at the over sharpness using the conversion lenses! Only slight loss in the fisheye at the very bottom corners that I could notice…
      I’m working on expanding the lab to accommodate wide angle lenses some how, but it’s not very easy I must tell you. The real world architecture seams to work best for testing.
      As far as cameras go, I sort of want the A7II over my A7r. I love the IQ and sharpness of the 36mp sensor though and just don’t want to see it go 😉
      Thanks again,
      Jay

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